It’s getting to be that time in the semester when the pace of exams starts speeding up. It’s less than a month to go in the term, and my students are looking more tired and anxious. They’re not up for a nice brisk walk in the woods at the east end of campus, and they’re not eating food that makes them feel fortified for the day (at least if my own past college self is any evidence). What is a person to do to help them get at least a temporary break from stress and anxiety on exam day?
Idea: name that fish.
What?
I was in my office before class and noticed this small, spongy, rubbery multicolored fish sitting on my desk. I had picked it up at a school event in September from a swag table. On a whim, I put it in my bag and headed out to give an exam.
When I arrived at class, I greeted the tops of my students heads– all were bent over their notes, hoping that a few more minutes in their vicinity would translate into a better grade.
Then I had a sudden thought: I wrote on the board:
For one point of extra credit on the exam, name this fish.
And I drew an arrow to where the fish was sitting in the eraser tray for the white board at the front of the room.
When I announced the extra credit opportunity, not many people smiled or chuckled– they were too intent on getting the exam over with. But, here is what they came up with:
One student came up to turn in her exam, wearily saying, “I’m done”. I asked her if she named the fish and she perked up, saying “I’m not done”, turned around, went back to her desk, composed a name, returned to me, and said with a smile, “Now I’m done”.
For me, a smile, a chuckle, a silly distraction– these moments help provide a break during times of stress and worry, offering a some needed respite and a small infusion of well-being.
Readers, what do you do to lighten your day during this dark month of November? I’d love to hear from you.